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Trio of Thieves Convicted in Check-Fraud Scheme

On Monday, May 7, 2018, three Atlanta-area residents admitted to involvement in a check-fraud scheme that paid homeless people to steal from Oregon banks and businesses. Marcus Eppinger, Rodrickus Robinson, and Brittane Robinson each pled guilty to three counts of Forgery in the First Degree and were sentenced to probation by Washington County Circuit Court judges.

These convictions stem from an investigation conducted by Detective Gabe Stone of the Tigard Police Department with the assistance of several other law-enforcement agencies. Investigators learned that the Georgia-based theft crew traveled to Oregon for the purpose of committing check fraud. The defendants acquired checks from local Oregon businesses, investigators believe likely via theft from the mail. The defendants then went to Portland area homeless shelters and recruited individuals to present and cash checks forged on the victims' bank accounts. The defendants purchased new clothes for the homeless people and then shuttled them from bank to bank to present the forged checks. Using this fraudulent scheme the defendants stole more than $10,000 on April 10, 2018, while paying their homeless accomplices pennies on the dollar.

On April 11, 2018, the defendants set out to continue their check fraud. But this time investigators followed the defendants in unmarked cars. Police observed the defendants drive to a downtown-Portland homeless shelter in an attempt to recruit more check cashers. Later that day, detectives detained and arrested all three defendants for First Degree Forgery and Theft. Two of the defendants confessed to their involvement in the fraud, and police seized approximately $18,000 in cash found in their possession. Rodrickus Robinson was also found in possession of computer equipment and software for making counterfeit checks.

This case was prosecuted by DDA David Pitcher and investigated by Detective Stone and other members of Tigard PD Commercial Crimes Unit in conjunction with partner agencies in the Portland metro area.